Authorities seek adult in death of DeKalb County teen

Authorities seek adult in death of DeKalb County teen

Investigators in DeKalb County, Ala., are interviewing people over the death of a 17-year-old in Crossville on Wednesday, and they are seeking a man who left the scene when the body was discovered.

The deceased teenager has been identified as Alan Michael Tarwater and his family has been notified by Marshall County authorities, according to a news release.

The teen was found unresponsive in a residence on County Road 1931 around 3 p.m. Wednesday by two other juveniles, Sheriff Jimmy Harris states in the release. The boy apparently died from as-yet undetermined reasons while sleeping, according to the sheriff.

Authorities now are looking for an adult, Todd Lashane Thomas, 43, the sheriff's release states.

Thomas is described as a white man, about six feet tall, weighing about 225 pounds and with green eyes and brown hair.

Warrants have been issued charging Thomas with contributing the delinquency of children, officials said. Thomas also has outstanding warrants for previous traffic offenses, the release states.

DeKalb County officials ask anyone with information about Thomas or his whereabouts to call the sheriff's office at 256-845-3801.